The Wonders of Peanut Butter

Remember eating peanut butter sandwiches as a child? That was my favorite food for lunch or anytime - I couldn't get enough of it, especially peanut butter drizzled with honey. These days, I still love my peanut butter and it doesn't necessarily have to be in a sandwich.

My favorite brand is Once and Again (regular or organic) and sometimes I can buy it in bulk at the natural food stores. When opening a jar of fresh peanut butter such as this, you'll notice all of the oil at the top. A trick someone showed me once is to sit the jar of unopened peanut butter upside down for a few minutes and then open it.

Peanut butter and peanuts are actually very good for us, especially for our hearts. If you are eating peanuts, make sure to eat the skins too. The peanut and skin contain a high amount resveratrol, which is a chemical that helps prevent heart disease, as red wine does from the grape skin. Experts say that peanuts can help prevent many kinds of cancer due to the phytosterols peanuts contain, which naturally occurs in some plants and legumes.

Peanuts also are high in protein. For those wondering about the high fat content, not to worry. It won't add fat to our bodies. In fact, I've learned that peanut butter can help one lose weight. Make sure to check the label when buying peanut butter. Most contain too many added ingredients such as sugar, salt and corn syrup.